Faculty
& Staff > Information
Technology > FAQs
How do I log
in to Thiel's network from a lab computer?
How do I log
in to Thiel's network from my notebook?
How do I change my network
password from a lab computer?
How do I change my network
password from my notebook?
How do I reset my Black Board
password?
What hours are the labs
open?
Will I need a modem?
How do I remove
spyware and viruses from my computer?
Where can I go for computer help?
When do I get my computer?
What kind of contract or agreement
do I have to sign?
Will I use my computer in every
class?
Do I have to be a computer whiz?
What kind of computer will I use?
Will my laptop support external
hardware (keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.)?
What software and operating system
will I use?
Will I have the option of a Windows
or Mac platform?
Will Thiel update the operating
system or software?
Will my computer and software
become outdated during my years of study?
Do I own the computer?
Will I get to keep my computer
over the summer?
Can I connect to the network
from home?
What if I have problems with
my computer?
What if I have a problem with
the computer I brought from home?
Do I need a printer?
Can I bring my own computer?
What are the advantages to
the program?
How much will this cost me?
What if I transfer or do not graduate?
What accessories come with
my laptop?
What do I do if my laptop is damaged?
What do I do if my laptop is stolen?
Where do I go for maintenance?
Do I have to pay for repairs to
my laptop?
Can I add additional hardware/software
to my laptop?
How will I learn to use my laptop?
What if I want a more powerful
computer?
What if I live off campus? Will
I be issued a laptop, and can I connect to the Thiel network?
Should I buy insurance to cover
loss, theft, or damage to my notebook?
Will I still have to pay a technology
fee?
Where on campus will I be able
to access the network?
Can I take my laptop to class?
Can I take my laptop if I study
abroad or off-campus?
Will I be able to back-up my information
on the network / is my data protected?
What if I have a disability
and can't use a laptop?
What does it mean to "reimage"
a laptop?
What is my login the first time I use Blackboard?
How do I change my password for Blackboard?
What if I forget my Blackboard password?
How will I know if my classes are on Blackboard?
Where can I find instructions on using Blackboard?
Logging in to Thiel's
network from a Lab Computer 
To log in to the network, enter your user name and password
in the Microsoft Networking box. Your user name is your ID number, without
any leading zeros. For example, an ID number of 0009099 would be 9099 to
log into the network. Once you log into the network, several drive letters
are mapped to network directories. The J: drive is your personal directory
on the network. Security prevents other users from accessing information
in this directory. NOTE: You will not see this box to log in to
the network from your IBM Thinkpad.
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To change your network password from
a Thiel Lab Computer
In order to change your password, you
must first log in on a lab computer.
(Lab computers can be found in AC
36, AC 35, and the HMSC.)
1. Press Ctrl, Alt and Delete on the
keyboard.
2. A windows security screen will appear.
3. Click on
Change Password…
4. Enter your old password and your new password in
the designated areas.
5. Click Ok.
*This will change all
of your Thiel network, email and TC Login passwords, but NOT your
Blackboard password.
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To change your network password from your
IBM Thinkpad
1. Log in to your Outlook Web Access (https://webmail.thiel.edu/)
2. On the left side of
the screen, at the bottom, there are several icons. Click on the last one
on the right to enter Options.
3. Scroll to the bottom, and click on
Change Password.
4. In the Domain box, type "thiel" without the quotes.
The Account is your Thiel ID Number. Type in your old password, and then
your new password in their respective boxes, and click Ok.
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To change your Black Board Learning System password
1.Click on the following link to change or reset your password.
http://courses.thiel.edu/webapps/blackboard/password
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Connecting to the network from your
residence hall room
1. In order to login to your Thiel network
account, you must double click the Thiel College Network Login icon on the
lower right hand side of your desktop. (Note: This feature is available
from on campus only.)
2. Enter your Thiel student identification
number and password, click OK. NOTE: If the error
message, “Log on Failure: Unknown User Name or Bad Password,” appears you
have entered your name or password incorrectly. Your password is case
sensitive. Please try again. If the error message, “Network Path is not
found” appears, please be sure your green cable is properly connected to
both the notebook and the wall jack. If this does not work, please contact
the Help Desk at extension 4000.
3. At this point you should be able
to access your personal “J” drive account. You may test this by double
clicking the My Computer icon in the top left hand corner of your desktop.
4. Double click the icon located next to “[your student ID number] on
‘data’ (J:).” Your files and folders should appear.
5. Any time that
you restart your ThinkPad, you must repeat steps 1 and 2 to access your
personal “J” drive.
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Modems?
If you wish to connect to
our network you do NOT need a modem for your computer. Your connection
will be made by plugging your network patch cable (NOT a phone cable) into
the wall jack labeled for the computer.
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Where to go for help
If you have a
problem with your notebook you may call the Information Technology
help desk at ext. 4000. The help desk is normally supported by student workers between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through
Thursday and Friday 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. If you get a voice mail response please leave your name,
phone number and a brief description of your technological problem. We
will return your call. Please do not try to fix the problem
yourself.
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When do I get my
computer?
Freshmen will receive their computers at a time to be determined by the Freshmen Year Experience and
Orientation schedule. All other returning students will be able to pick up
their notebook by calling ext. 4000 and setting up an appointment.
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What kind of contract or agreement do I
have to sign?
A contract was mailed to all incoming students to sign and return. If you did not receive a copy you will have to sign one when you pickup you notebook.
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Will I use my computer in every
class?
No. The amount you will use your notebook in your classes
will depend upon the individual instructors.
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Do I have to be a computer
whiz?
No. Anyone who is comfortable with using web browsers
and word processing will be able to use the computer effectively. General
instructional material will be provided if needed. Again if you need help call ext.4000.
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What kind of computer will I
use?
Each student will be provided with an IBM notebook. The notebook will include a CD-RW/DVD combo drive, Windows XP
Professional, Microsoft Office 2003, and anti-virus software.
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Will my notebook support external hardware
(keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.)?
Yes. USB peripherals (such
as mouse or keyboard) will be supported, as well as both USB
printers.
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What software and operating system will I
use?
Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Office 2003 are the
primary software packages.
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Will I have the option of a Windows or Mac
platform?
No. The College is standardized on the Windows
platform for student computing.
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Will Thiel update the operating system or
software?
While you are a Thiel student, the major software
updates will be provided to you.
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Will my computer and software become
outdated during my years of study?
No. In order to avoid this
situation, the College has instituted a three year refresh in which each
student will receive a new computer before their fourth year of
study.
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Do I own the computer?
While a
student, the computer will remain the property of Thiel College and must
be returned if degree requirements are not met. However, upon successful
completion of your degree requirements, the College will pass the title of
the computer to you.
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Will I get to keep my computer over the
summer?
Yes. The exceptions are that the computer must remain
in the United States and that you must be registered for the fall semester
before leaving campus for the summer. If you do not you will billed the buyout cost of the compter and if you do return it or register for claases during the summer you will be billed $5.00 per day up to the cost of the computer.
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Can I connect to the network from
home?
No. Not directly to the network. You will be able to
access web mail and the Blackboard learning system but not your network
storage or classes and departments folders.
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What if I have problems with my
computer?
The College will serve as the warranty administrator
for notebook repairs. If a problem occurs while on campus, you will be
directed to the campus notebook Support Center. If the problem occurs while
you are off campus, please call (724) 589-4000 for further
instruction.
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What if I have a problem with the computer
I brought from home?
With the implementation of the notebook
program, it is no longer possible for the Information Technology Staff to
continue providing support for any computers that are not owned by the
college.
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Do I need a printer?
No. Access
to public printers will be provided through the network (instructions on
how will be provided). However, if you wish to use your own personal
printer, you must provide your own.
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Can I bring my own
computer?
Yes. However, please know that any computer you
bring must meet the Colleges security standards for virus
protection. There will be a $50.00 setup fee.
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What are the advantages to the
program?
The major advantage is that all students will have
access to the same technology. Instructors may use this feature as they
produce new course material.
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How much will this cost me?
There
is a per year Technology fee that will be assessed to all full time
and Part time students. (Current fees available from Thiel College financial services.)
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What if I transfer or do not
graduate?
Under the terms of the program agreement, students
who transfer or do not graduate must return the notebook and all
equipment. Alternately, you may elect to purchase the equipment at the
balance to be determined by how long you have been enrolled in the
program.
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What accessories come with my
notebook?
You will be provided with a power supply, an Ethernet
cable for your notebook. Note: a floppy
drive is not provided, however CD-R/CD-RWs and USB Keys for storage will
be available for purchase.
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What do I do if my notebook is
damaged?
If your notebook is damaged, report it immediately to
the notebook Support Center.
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What do I do if my notebook is
stolen?
If your notebook is stolen, immediately contact Public
Safety or your local police authorities. You will need to complete a
police report as soon as you realize what has happened. Notify Notebook support center immediately. The College
recommends adding theft/loss insurance to your notebook.
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Where do I go for
maintenance?
Contact the notebook Support center if you need any
repairs. Ext. 4000
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Do I have to pay for repairs to my
notebook?
If repairs are not covered under warranty, you will be
responsible for any cost associated.
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Can I add additional hardware/software to my
notebook?
Yes, as long as you are licensed to use the software
you may add it to your notebook.
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How will I learn to use my
notebook?
You could elect to enroll in the Computer Science 111
through 113 courses to learn Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Access). Contact ext. 4000 for more information.
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What if I want a more powerful
computer?
The computers provided in this program are
appropriate to needs for academic computing. As always, you have the
option of providing an additional computer as long as it meets the
security guidelines set by the College for virus protection.
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What if I live off campus? Will I be
issued a notebook, and can I connect to the Thiel network?
Yes,
you will be issued a notebook, based on your status as a full time or part
time student. You will be able to access the Thiel network from home
provided that you have your own Internet Service Provider granting you
Internet access.
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Should I buy insurance to cover loss,
theft, or damage to my notebook?
Yes, you should. Information
on your options for this insurance will be provided to you by Student
Services.
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Will I still have to pay a technology
fee?
Yes. The technology fee supports the cabling
infrastructure on campus, as well as the cable television, telephone
services and notebook program.
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Where on campus will I be able to access
the network?
You will be provided with wireless access from
any of the academic public spaces on campus, including the Academic
Center, Greenville Hall, the Library, and the Howard Miller Student
Center. Each student will also have a wired connection in their
room.
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Can I take my notebook to
class?
Individual instructors will establish their own
policies for notebook use in class.
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Can I take my notebook if I study abroad or
off-campus?
At this time, notebooks must remain in the United
States.
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Will I be able to back-up my information on
the network / is my data protected?
You should plan to back-up
your information onto CD media, using the provided CD-RW drive. Your
network storage will not provide sufficient space for you to back-up your
files, but can be used for document storage.
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What if I have a disability and can't
use a notebook?
The Office of Special Needs will work with
students to assure their access to computing services.
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What does it mean to "reimage" a
notebook?
Reimaging a notebook is similar to reformatting a disk.
Any information stored on the computer will be erased. Please back-up your
files to prevent major losses of data should something happen to your
notebook.
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What is my login the first time I use
Blackboard?
Your username to log in to Blackboard is
your Thiel ID number (the same number you use to log in to the network).
The first time you log in your password will also be your Thiel ID number. Please change your password as soon as you log in for the first
time!
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How do I change
my password?
Once you are logged in, click on
Personal Information at the left side of the page. Then click Change
Password and type your new password in the boxes. Click Submit. Note: Your Blackboard password does not have to be the same as your
network password and will not change if your network password is changed.
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What if I forget my
password?
On the login page, under the username and
password boxes, there is a link that says “Forgot Password?” Click on this
link and fill in the information it asks for. Instructions will be sent to
your email address for how to reset your password.
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How will I know if my
classes are on Blackboard?
After you log in, you will
be at the Welcome Page. At the right, there is a box called My Courses.
This box will have links to each of the classes you are enrolled in. Note: If you need to return to this page to enter another
course after you have already entered one, click the tab at the top of the
page called Thiel Online Learning.
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Where can I
find instructions on using Blackboard?
Once logged in
to Blackboard, there is a Help button at the top of the page. This link
will take you directly to the Student User Manual.
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